Squat rack weightlifting bar protection system

ABSTRACT

A flexible cover configured to fit over a J-hook weight bar support comprising a first tubular sleeve comprising a flexible material with an open end and a closed end, a second tubular sleeve comprising a flexible material with an open end and a closed end, and a length of flexible material connecting the first tubular sleeve open end to the second tubular sleeve open end. The first tubular sleeve is configured to fit over a vertical portion of the J-hook weight bar support, the second tubular sleeve is configured to fit over a horizontal portion of the J-hook weight bar support such that the length of flexible material sits on an inside surface of the J-hook weight bar support, and the length of flexible material is abrasion resistant.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C § 119(e) of the prior U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/842,035 filed May 2, 2019 entitled “SQUAT RACK WEIGHTLIFTING BAR PROTECTION SYSTEM”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference in their entirety, and are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by the mention in this cross-reference section.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of exercise and fitness equipment. In particular, the present invention relates to a protective cover for a weight bar holder.

Weight bar holders, also referred to as J-hooks or J-cups, are used to hold a barbell on the uprights, vertical posts or parts/members of a variety of different pieces of fitness equipment, including and commonly known as: racks, multi-functional racks, power-racks, half racks, partial racks, squat racks, self-standing half racks, double half racks, triple combo racks, squat stands, all other combinations and forms of racks, cages, power-cages, smith machines, bench presses and various weight resistance machines.

The weight bar holders are generally attached to the fitness equipment, such as squat racks, and are held firmly in place by inserting them into the upright posts or parts of the fitness equipment. They are used to horizontally hold a bar on a rack or fitness equipment at certain height and parallel to a level floor. The weight bar holders are typically adjustable on the rack or the fitness equipment uprights to various heights from the floor. This accommodates users of different heights and performance of various typed of exercises using the weight bar.

A weight bar is made up of a shaft and sleeves, where the shaft further comprises a knurling designed to enhance a user's grip on the weight bar when performing lifts. However, the weight bar holders are typically located such that the shaft of the weight bar sits on the weight bar support. Unfortunately, when a lifter moves the weight bar to prepare for a lift, the knurling contacting the weight bar support will wear down the knurling which reduces the effectiveness of enhancing the grip on the weight bar. Although some weight bar holders will further comprise a plastic liner to protect the knurling on the barbell, the plastic eventually wears down and has to be replaced in addition to the plastic getting into the knurling of the weight bar shaft again reducing the effectiveness of the grip enhancement and increasing the need to clean the plastic out of the knurling.

Thus, a need exists for a better, and more universal, protection system between the weight bar and the weight bar holder. The present invention solves the above problems by providing a heavy duty abrasion resistant flexible material cover configured to conform to a standard weight bar support, or J-hook weight bar support. In the event that the flexible cover wears down, it is easily removed and replaced from the weight bar support.

Any discussion of prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the problems noted above by providing a flexible cover configured to fit onto a weight bar holder, or j-hook, designed to hold a weightlifting bar. The flexible cover comprises a first tubular sleeve comprised of a flexible material with an open end and a closed end; a second tubular sleeve comprised of a flexible material with an open end and a closed end; and a length of flexible material connecting the first tubular sleeve open end to the second tubular sleeve open end.

The flexible cover first tubular sleeve is configured to fit over a vertical portion of the J-hook weight bar support, and the second tubular sleeve is configured to fit over the horizontal portion of the J-hook weight bar support such that the length of flexible material sits on an inside surface of the J-hook weight bar support. Preferably, the length of material is abrasion resistant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a Weight Bar Holder Protective Cover System according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of a Weight Bar Holder Protective Cover System according an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A shows a front perspective view of the Weight Bar Holder Protective Cover System according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B shows a back perspective view of the Weight Bar Holder Protective Cover System according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a back perspective view of the Weight Bar Holder Protective Cover System according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a back view of the Weight Bar Holder Protective Cover according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing and other objectives, features, and advantages of the invention will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In this application, a weight bar holder comprises a weight bar support, a body, and an engagement member. The weight bar support is typically comprised of a piece of steel, or other material, and shaped like a J where a barbell rests on an inside surface inside the bottom of the J. There are 2 main types of weight bar holders, or J-hooks; one attached to a top portion of a post and one that is removably attached to a side surface of a post.

Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 shows the present invention is preferably a flexible cover 100 configured to fit over a J-hook weight bar support 190 preferably comprising a first tubular sleeve 110 with an open end 112 and a closed end 114, a second tubular sleeve 120 with an open end 122 and a closed end 124, and a length of flexible material 130 connecting the first tubular open end 112 to the second tubular open end 122. The first tubular sleeve 110 is preferably configured to fit over a vertical portion of the J-hook weight bar support. The second tubular sleeve 120 is preferably configured to fit over a horizontal portion of the J-hook weight bar support such that the length of flexible material 130 preferably sits on an inside surface of the J-hook weight bar support 190. Alternately preferably, the length of flexible material comprises one surface of the first tubular sleeve and the second tubular sleeve.

The length of flexible material 130 is preferably comprised of an abrasion resistant material, such as fire hose canvas, aramid fiber cloth, and other types of abrasion resistant material not named herein. Additionally, the first tubular sleeve 110 and/or the second tubular sleeve 120 is preferably comprised of the same or a different abrasion resistant material as the length of flexible material. Preferably, the length of flexible material is stitched onto the first tubular sleeve and the second tubular sleeve.

The flexible cover 100 preferably further comprises a securing mechanism configured to hold the flexible cover in place on the J-hook weight bar support 190. The securing mechanism is preferably an elastic material attached to the first tubular sleeve open end 112. Alternately preferably, the securing mechanism is an elastic material attached to the second tubular sleeve open end 122. Alternately preferably, the securing mechanism is an elastic material attached to both the first tubular sleeve open end and the second tubular sleeve open end.

As shown in FIG. 2, the flexible cover first tubular sleeve 110 preferably comprises at least one cutout 116 configured to allow a member to extend through the flexible cover. Alternately preferably, the at least one cutout 116 is a slit to allow a flat stabilizing member to pass through the flexible cover 100. The member may be any of a dip handle, adjustment mechanism, engagement member, or other type of extension not enumerated herein.

The first tubular sleeve 110 and second tubular sleeve 120 are preferably flat hollow sleeves where three sides are preferably at least partially enclosed. The three sides are preferably stitched closed, or the tubular sleeve is formed as one piece. In an alternate embodiment, the second tubular sleeve 120 further comprises a slit running lengthwise from the open end towards the closed end.

In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 3A and 3B, the flexible cover 100 further comprises a base cover 140 preferably attached to a bottom portion of the second tubular sleeve 120. The base cover 140 is preferably a third tubular sleeve comprised of a flexible cloth material and extends downwardly from the bottom portion of the second tubular sleeve 120. In this embodiment, the J-hook weight bar support 190 is attached to a top portion of a vertical post 180. The base cover 140 is preferably configured to fit over a vertical post 180 that the J-hook weight bar support 190 is attached to.

Further, in this alternate embodiment, the second tubular sleeve 120 is preferably shorter such that a bottom portion does not extend where the vertical post 180 attaches to the J-hook weight bar support 190. In another alternate embodiment, the second tubular sleeve 120 provides an opening to allow the second tubular sleeve to accommodate the vertical post 180. The base cover 140 is preferably stitched onto the bottom portion of the second tubular sleeve 120. Alternately preferably, the base cover 140 is integral to the second tubular sleeve 120.

As further shown in FIGS. 3-6, the base cover 120 preferably comprises a securing mechanism 150 configured to wrap around an outside surface of the base cover 140 and tighten the flexible cover 100 onto the J-hook weight bar holder or the squat stand vertical upright. The securing mechanism 150 is preferably a strap with a connector 152 configured to removably couple a first end to a second end and allow for adjustment of the securing mechanism 150.

The connector 152 could be a hook and loop connector where the hook portion is on either the first end or second end, and loop portion is opposite the hook portion. The connector 152 could be a snap fastener, a clip buckle, or any type of fastener not mentioned herein. Alternately preferably, the securing mechanism is an elastic band configured to close the base cover around the weight bar support body, or the upper portion of the vertical upright of the squat stand as described above.

Alternately preferably as shown in FIG. 4, the securing mechanism 150 is a drawstring where the first end is tied to the second end. Alternately preferably, the securing mechanism 150 is a drawstring with an adjustable clasp.

As further shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the base cover 140 preferably further comprises at least one loop 145 for the securing mechanism 150 to stay in place. The at least one loop 145 is preferably attached vertically to an outside surface of the base cover 140 and is preferably configured to allow the securing mechanism 150 to slide through the at least one loop 145 and hold the securing mechanism 150 onto the base cover 140 of the flexible cover 100 in place.

The flexible cover 100 is preferably comprised of a heavy-duty material designed to withstand abrasion from the knurling of a weight bar. The material is preferably a heavy-duty canvas material, such as the material fire hoses use. Alternately preferably, the material is an aramid-based fiber, such as Kevlar. Other materials include leather, synthetic fiber such as polyester or nylon filament as used in fire hoses, or heavy-duty canvas material. The flexible sleeve 100 may be comprised of any type of abrasion resistant material not named herein, or any combination of different materials.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5, the flexible cover 100 further comprises an area 160 on a back surface of the first tubular sleeve 110 for a patch to be attached or other type of logo design. The patch is preferably attached using a hook and loop fastening system. Alternately preferably, the patch is ironed onto the area 160. Alternately preferably, the patch is integral to the back surface of the first tubular sleeve 110.

Although the present invention has been described by way of example, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, where known equivalents exist to specific features, such equivalents are incorporated as if specifically referred to in this specification. 

I claim:
 1. A flexible cover configured to fit over a J-hook weight bar support comprising: a first tubular sleeve comprising a flexible material with an open end and a closed end; a second tubular sleeve comprising a flexible material with an open end and a closed end; and a length of flexible material connecting the first tubular sleeve open end to the second tubular sleeve open end; wherein the first tubular sleeve is configured to fit over a vertical portion of the J-hook weight bar support; wherein the second tubular sleeve is configured to fit over a horizontal portion of the J-hook weight bar support such that the length of flexible material sits on an inside surface of the J-hook weight bar support; and wherein the length of flexible material is abrasion resistant.
 2. The flexible cover of claim 1, further comprising a securing mechanism configured to hold the flexible cover in place on the J-hook weight bar support.
 3. The flexible cover of claim 2, wherein the securing mechanism is comprised of an elastic material at the first tubular sleeve open end.
 4. The flexible cover of claim 2, wherein the securing mechanism is comprised of an elastic material at the second tubular sleeve open end.
 5. The flexible cover of claim 1, wherein the length of material is comprised of an aramid fiber.
 6. The flexible cover of claim 1, wherein the first tubular sleeve comprises at least one cutout configured to allow a post through the first tubular sleeve.
 7. A flexible cover configured to fit over a J-hook weight bar support comprising: a first tubular sleeve comprising a flexible material with an open end and a closed end; a second tubular sleeve comprising a flexible material with an open end and a closed end; a length of flexible material connecting the first tubular sleeve open end to the second tubular sleeve open end; and a base cover coupled to a bottom surface of the second tubular sleeve and extending downwardly from the second tubular sleeve; wherein the first tubular sleeve is configured to fit over a vertical portion of the J-hook weight bar support; wherein the second tubular sleeve is configured to fit over the horizontal portion of the J-hook weight bar support such that the length of flexible material sits on an inside surface of the J-hook weight bar support; and wherein the length of flexible material is abrasion resistant.
 8. The protective cover of claim 7, the base cover further comprising a securing mechanism configured to tighten the base cover against an upper portion of a squat stand post.
 9. The protective sleeve of claim 8, wherein the securing mechanism is a drawstring.
 10. The protective sleeve of claim 8, wherein the securing mechanism is an elastic band.
 11. The protective sleeve of claim 8, wherein the securing mechanism is within a tubular band around a bottom periphery of the base cover.
 12. The protective sleeve of claim 7, wherein the flexible cover further comprises a second layer of padded material attached to the first tubular sleeve and second tubular sleeve such that the second layer of padded material sits on an inside surface of the J-hook weight bar support.
 13. The protective sleeve of claim 12, wherein the second layer is comprised of an abrasion-resistant material.
 14. The protective sleeve of claim 8, wherein the securing mechanism is a strap configured to fit through at least one loop attached vertically to the base cover, wherein the strap comprises a first end configured to couple to a second end, and wherein the strap comprises an adjustment mechanism for tightening or loosening the strap.
 15. A protective sleeve system, comprising: a squat stand comprising a J-hook weight bar support on top of a vertical upright; and a flexible cover configured to fit over the J-hook weight bar support comprising: a first tubular sleeve comprising a flexible material with an open end and a closed end; a second tubular sleeve comprising a flexible material with an open end and a closed end; a length of flexible material connecting the first tubular sleeve open end to the second tubular sleeve open end; wherein the first tubular sleeve is configured to fit over a vertical portion of the J-hook weight bar support; wherein the second tubular sleeve is configured to fit over the horizontal portion of the J-hook weight bar support such that the length of flexible material sits on an inside surface of the J-hook weight bar support; and wherein the length of flexible material is abrasion resistant; and a base cover extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the second tubular sleeve, wherein the base cover comprises a securing mechanism.
 16. The protective sleeve of claim 15, wherein the securing mechanism is a drawstring.
 17. The protective sleeve of claim 15, wherein the securing mechanism is within a tubular band around a bottom periphery of the base cover.
 18. The protective sleeve of claim 15, wherein the upper cover comprises a second layer of padded material attached to a portion of the upper cover where a barbell makes contact with the protective sleeve.
 19. The protective sleeve of claim 18, wherein the second layer is comprised of an abrasion-resistant material.
 20. The protective sleeve of claim 15, wherein the securing mechanism is a strap configured to fit through at least one loop attached vertically to the base cover, wherein the strap comprises a first end configured to couple to a second end, and wherein the strap comprises an adjustment mechanism for tightening or loosening the strap. 